NATO Summit: Ukraine to Build US Patriots, Turkey Eyes Return to F-35 Program

Despite US President Donald Trump dominating the NATO summit in Ankara with his attacks and shifting positions, the meeting produced several major decisions that could reshape global security. **Ukraine Wins Big** Ukraine emerged as the clear winner. NATO members pledged €70 billion in military aid for this year and promised to maintain similar levels in 2027. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met privately with Trump, a stark contrast to their tense White House meeting earlier this year. Most importantly, Trump opened the door for Ukraine to build US-made Patriot missile defense systems under license. The US currently lacks enough missiles to supply Ukraine due to the war with Iran, leaving Ukraine unable to stop Russian attacks. However, experts warn production will take time. John Herbst of the Atlantic Council says the White House must first resolve intellectual property rights and supply chain issues. Still, the move signals a major shift in Washington’s role between Moscow and Kyiv. **Syria Removed from Terror List** Trump announced the US will remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. Syria had been on the list since 1979 for harboring groups like Hamas. The diplomatic thaw began after Syrian President Ahmed al-Shaara visited Washington—the first Syrian leader to do so since 1946. In return, US companies like Chevron and ConocoPhillips are already negotiating to rehabilitate Syrian gas fields, oil fields, and power grids. **Turkey May Rejoin F-35 Program** Trump praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and signaled he would lift sanctions blocking Turkey’s return to the F-35 fighter jet program. Turkey was expelled in 2020 after buying Russia’s S-400 air defense system. The possible deal has angered Greece, a NATO ally with a long history of conflict with Turkey. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias asked: “Is it in US interests to grant a major defense program to a country without guarantees it won’t be used against another EU member?” Russia warned Turkey not to sell or transfer its S-400 system to a third country. Possible solutions include moving the system to an overseas base or disabling it. **China Absent, But Not Forgotten** China was notably missing from summit conclusions. NATO launched a new project involving 12 members to secure critical minerals, challenging China’s control over such resources. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met with partners from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. He accused China of aiding Russia’s war machine and modernizing its nuclear arsenal without transparency. Analysts say the summit’s focus shifted to managing the transatlantic transition and sharing responsibilities in Europe, rather than directly confronting China.